Remembering George Smith, Outdoorsman and Advocate

Five years after his passing, the legacy of the lobbyist, writer, and friend continues to make an impact.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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George Smith, a determined lobbyist, advocate, and writer, passed away five years ago, leaving a significant void in the Maine outdoor community. Known for his larger-than-life persona, sharp wit, and unwavering dedication to conservation causes, Smith's influence can still be felt through the organizations and initiatives he helped shape, such as the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund.

Why it matters

Smith's ability to bring together people of diverse political ideologies around shared values of protecting the Maine outdoors serves as a model for how to find common ground and make progress on important issues. His mentorship and advocacy for writers and conservationists continue to inspire those who knew him.

The details

Smith was a key figure in the creation of the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund in 1996, which has since distributed millions of dollars to conservation projects across the state. He was also known for his willingness to challenge and work with those who held different views, as exemplified by his lunch with Katie Hansberry of the Humane Society during the 2014 bear referendum debate.

  • George Smith passed away five years ago.
  • The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund was created in 1996 through LD 717.

The players

George Smith

A determined lobbyist, advocate, and writer who was a larger-than-life figure in the Maine outdoor community.

Erin Merrill

An award-winning writer based in central Maine who writes the 'Hunt & Harvest' column and was mentored by George Smith.

Katie Hansberry

The leader of the effort to end bear hunting on behalf of the Humane Society of the United States, who later joined the Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife committee to help review and modify the black bear management plan.

Janet Mills

The Governor of Maine who nominated Erin Merrill to a seat on the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund board.

Linda Smith

George Smith's wife, who he said he and Linda had certain organizations that they donated to as their priorities.

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What they’re saying

“Before Katie could see my face, George quickly told me to get over myself and that she was a good person. A person that may have a very different ideology than me, but at her core a good person.”

— Erin Merrill, Writer (pressherald.com)

“While my ego was a little shunned, I appreciated his dedication to his priorities.”

— Erin Merrill, Writer (pressherald.com)

The takeaway

George Smith's legacy lives on through the organizations and initiatives he helped shape, as well as the way he brought people together across political divides to focus on shared values of protecting the Maine outdoors. His mentorship and advocacy continue to inspire those who knew him, serving as a model for finding common ground and making progress on important issues.